Colo. Democrats pass most gun-control bills but drop two after rape outcry
By Valerie Richardson
Washington Times.com
Saturday, March 9, 2013
DENVER | Colorado Democrats rammed most of their gun-control package through the state Senate late Friday, but yanked two bills after a furious backlash over the concerns of rape victims.
Senate Democrats gave initial approval to five bills, including legislation to extend background checks to private sales, limit ammunition magazine and shotgun capacity, and compel domestic-violence offenders to relinquish their guns.
But with the clock nearing midnight and a blizzard looming, Democrats agreed to drop two of the more controversial measures: a bill to create legal liability for gun manufacturers and sellers, and another to ban concealed-carry on state college campuses.
The liability bill was seen as an overreach, given that it conflicts with a 2005 federal law, while the concealed-carry bill became politically explosive after a Democratic legislator dismissed the concerns of rape victims who testified against it in committee.
One victim, Amanda Collins, testified last week that she was raped in a gun-free zone on campus after leaving her firearm behind.
“I know without a doubt in my mind that at some point I would have been able to stop my attack by using my firearm,” said Ms. Collins.
State Sen. Evie Hudak tried to debunk Ms. Collins‘ account, arguing that “chances are that if you had had a gun then he would have been able to get that from you and possibly use it against you.”
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